Buffalo Bills End Shawne Merriman Experiment, Release Linebacker

Turn the lights out: The Buffalo Bills have finally given up on Shawne Merriman. The team announced that they released the former pro bowl linebacker today (Monday, August 20). Merriman’s value to the team was especially diminished this season when he was converted to defensive end. The Bills have lots of depth on the line, and with Merriman’s ability to stay healthy in question, he became expendable.

Merriman joined the Bills in 2010 after being released by the San Diego Chargers. Bills general manager Buddy Nix, who knew Merriman well from his work with the Chargers, gave him every opportunity to make the team, signing him to a two-year, $10.5 million deal. But every time Merriman hit the field, he seemed to re-injure himself and never returned to the dominant force he was before injuring his achilles tendon.

Essentially, the Bills are cutting their losses, saving about $3 million left on the deal and allowing the remaining players a fair opportunity to compete for a backup roster spot on the defensive line.